The Lived Experiences of Newly Hired Assistant Professors Facing Organizational Bullying in Universities: An Analysis of Consequences and Coping Strategies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of psychology, University of Guilan, Rasht. Iran

2 Master student in General psychology, department of psychology, University of Guilan, Rasht. Iran

3 Department of Educational Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran:

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, organizational bullying is a significant challenge in educational environments and can lead to various psychological, physical, and organizational consequences for victims. This study investigates the consequences of organizational bullying for newly appointed assistant professors and explores their coping strategies within the academic environment. It aims to identify and analyze these impacts and examine the strategies faculty members employ to confront this phenomenon.
Method: The present study employed a qualitative research method using descriptive phenomenology. The participants included assistant professors from the University of Guilan who perceived themselves as having experienced bullying in 2022. The sampling method was purposive and snowball sampling, and theoretical saturation was reached after interviewing 16 men and 8 women. Data were collected through semi- structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven- step method.
Results: The data analysis resulted in 15 open codes, 4 subcategories, and 2 main themes. The main themes for the consequences of organizational bullying were individual and organizational consequences. The subcategories related to individual consequences included physical and psychological effects, while the subcategories related to organizational consequences included decreased productivity and weakened organizational culture. Furthermore, 13 open codes, 4 subcategories, and 2 main themes emerged regarding coping strategies for organizational bullying. The main themes included individual coping strategies, with subcategories of acceptance and withdrawal, and seeking social support, with subcategories of seeking support from peers and seeking support from family.
Conclusions: The findings of the study indicate that organizational bullying has profound negative effects on the physical and psychological health of faculty members. These consequences include headaches, migraine attacks, and other related symptoms. On the other hand, the experience of being bullied leads to organizational consequences, such as decreased productivity and weakened organizational culture within the university. Effective coping with this phenomenon requires the creation of supportive and educational environments, strengthening conflict management, and raising awareness of the consequences of bullying. Therefore, individuals can respond more effectively and positively. Additionally, the results showed that social support from colleagues and family plays a key role in reducing the negative effects of this phenomenon.

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References

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Qualitative Research in Behavioral Sciences (QRBS)
Volume 3, Issue 2 - Serial Number 6
February 2025
Pages 57-74

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 28 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 11 March 2025

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